Job Description

Colchester United Community Foundation (CUCF) is the official charity of Colchester United Football Club, providing high quality Participation, Health & Inclusion, and Education Programmes to 10,000 children, young people, and adults from across the region each week.

We are seeking a Safeguarding Officer on a part-time basis (16 hours per week, spread over 3 days) to act as the Foundation's Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting the Head of Safeguarding. This role will take day-to-day responsibility for safeguarding practice across all CUCF programmes, ensuring that policies, procedures, and culture consistently promote safety and wellbeing.

Please note that the salary is Full time Equivalnt (FTE) based on qualifctaions and expereince.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are committed to ensuring that safeguarding and welfare remain central to everything we do. Guided by our Safeguarding Framework -

Safe People, Safe Environments, Safe Behaviours,

we strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for every participant, staff member, and volunteer.

The successful candidate will be required to be proactive, organised, and deeply committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. They will have a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and partner organisations.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

Good standard of education (GCSE English & Maths or equivalent)

Hold a current safeguarding qualification (or willingness to undertake

Strong understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures, and legislation

Experience working with children, young people, or adults at risk

Knowledge of safer recruitment principles

Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Ability to manage confidential information appropriately

Enhanced DBS check (Willing to undertake prior to role)

FA Safeguarding Qualification (Willing to undertake prior to role)

FA First Aid Qualification (Willing to undertake prior to role)

UK driving license

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

Level 3 Safeguarding Qualifications (EFL/FA)

Mental Health First Aid or Youth Mental Health First Aid

Level 3 Safeguarding Qualification (EFL/FA)#

Level 2 Prevent or Equality, Diversity & Inclusion qualification

Experience of case management or dealing with disclosures

Experience delivering training or workshops

Understanding of local safeguarding partnerships

Experience working within sport, education, or charity sectors

Familiarity with systems such as "MyConcern" or equivalent

Roles & Responsibilities:

Promote a culture of safety across all Foundation activities, in line with our Safe People, Safe Environments, Safe Behaviours framework.

Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns within the Foundation, providing advice, guidance, and practical support to staff and volunteers.

Receive, record, and manage safeguarding referrals and concerns using the Foundation's reporting system (MyConcern), escalating cases as appropriate to the Head of Safeguarding or statutory agencies.

Liaise with external bodies such as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), police, social care, The FA, PLCF, and the EFLitc in the Community team when necessary.

Support safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks, induction, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Deliver and coordinate safeguarding training and awareness sessions for staff, sessional coaches, and volunteers. Conduct regular safeguarding audits, venue checks, and risk assessments to ensure safe environments for all participants. Maintain accurate and confidential records, ensuring compliance with data protection and safeguarding standards. Contribute to safeguarding reports and updates for the Foundation Board and senior leadership. Support continuous improvement in safeguarding practice through reflection, feedback, and learning from incidents and audits. Work collaboratively with the Club's Safeguarding Team to ensure a consistent approach and alignment with club-wide safeguarding strategy.

Additional Responsibilities

Support staff safeguarding development and maintain a record of safeguarding training and qualifications. Support programme planning and delivery to ensure safeguarding considerations are embedded at every stage. Provide guidance and signposting for individuals or families who need additional welfare support. Assist with Foundation compliance against the EFL in the Community Capability Code of Practice and FA Safeguarding Standards. Attend relevant safeguarding and welfare meetings, both internally and externally. Undertake continuing professional development and maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge.

All CUCF positions adhere to:

Safeguarding

Colchester United Community Foundation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We expect all our staff and volunteers to fully support and promote this commitment.

In line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Exceptions Order 1975, as this role involves working with vulnerable groups, Pre-Employment checks will include a satisfactorily completed Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Health & Safety

Fully endorse, demonstrate, and carry out the company's health and safety policy.

Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations.

Have a full knowledge of procedures for evacuation regarding fire.

CUCF Employee Benefits:

Access to a CUCF Fleet vehicle and fuel card for all work-related travel

Free staff onsite parking

A pension scheme is available for eligible applicants

Free Staff Macron Uniform

Opportunities to access overtime

Opportunities to work Colchester United home games

Allocated weekly Workforce Performance & Self Development time

External training opportunities through national partners (Premier League Charitable Fund & EFL in the Community).

CUFC Club Shop Discount

Please note that the job will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.

Closing Date:

Friday 28th November 2025 (Please note that applications may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found).

Interview Dates:

WC 1st December 2025

Start Date:

Monday 5th January 2026

For further details, please contact cucf@colchesterunited.net or 01206 755160 (FAO: Sarah Daniels).

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 27,000.00-30,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 16 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/11/2025